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Smoking is usually tied to many life threatening diseases such as lung cancer and heart-related diseases. In a recently published study, active as well as passive smokers are linked to increased risks of female menopause and infertility.

The research's lead author, Andrew Hyland of Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo New York revealed a number of insightful findings.

While most studies deal mostly with active smoking, finding out the effects of secondhand smoking on women's reproductive health is less observed and studied.

"This is one of the first studies of this size and statistical power to investigate and quantify active and passive smoking and women's health issues," the study concluded as directly quoted by Fox News.

According to University Herald, the results of the study showed that tobacco smokers had 14% higher risks of becoming infertile and 26% more chances of having early menopause than their non-smoking counterparts. Also, women who were constantly exposed to extreme high levels of secondhand smoke had 18% higher risks of developing fertility-related problems as well as early menopause.

The drop in fertility rates are often attributed to women's exposure to harmful chemicals usually found in bottles and cans which tobacco products also happened to have. These so-called chemicals are identified as endocrine disruptors which seriously undermine women's reproductive health condition.

"Tobacco toxins also seem to lower the age of natural menopause by reducing circulating estrogen," exclaimed the researchers as stated in an article by NBC News.

But Hyland cautiously remarked that the study did not suggest a causal link between smoking and fertility and early menopause.

Nevertheless, the research suggests a worthwhile recommendation to women and health experts alike.

 "As for a recommendation to clinicians, you should advise women of reproductive age to limit their exposure to minimize these outcomes," said Hyland as mentioned by Reuters.